1 Many different tribes of Native Americans once lived in North America. They did not all have the same religious beliefs. However, many did share some of the same ideas.2 The first common idea was that there was one Creator or Great Spirit. The Creator was responsible for the existence of the Earth. His spirit was a part of all things, both living beings and inanimate objects.3 Another common idea was in lesser gods or spirits. Native Americans looked to them for sun and rain to help their crops grow. They held ceremonies in their honor. They burned tobacco and sage as they prayed.